As a child I was inspired by the photographs my father brought home from his travels. He was in the Air Force, the pilot of cargo planes flying all over the world, always with a camera. As I sat thru the countless slide shows that always followed his trips, the world was placed before me . . . the wonders of India, markets of the Middle East, Japan’s Mt. Fuji from the air, Alaska’s native villages above the Arctic Circle . . . he was a wonderful photographer, always taking pictures that amazed me. I’ve often thought that one day I’d like to extract the best of his collection & make them into a book. Perhaps someday I will.

Meanwhile, I take pictures every chance I get, mostly of things in the natural realm. Many of them go through a manipulation treatment, as I change them into something that seems to be heading more towards the abstract as time goes on. A few years ago, a friend conveyed a great liking for what I was doing, which gave me encouragement to do many more of them, to take pictures specifically for that purpose, & even to acquire flowers to take pictures of. Seems I often take pictures of flowers more than most anything else, or things that I spot that amuse me.

I live with three cats – a constant source of amusement as well as some pictures – and a 26 year old daughter who is an aspiring voice actress & model. Was born in Seattle 60+ years ago, have lived a few other places. I suspect most would find that I have many of the legendary quirks of a true Northwesterner - - not quite a tree-hugger but I recycle more than most, avid reader & gardener, love being outdoors even when it’s cold, not much stopped by rain, most happy around the water, love seafood . . . . oh yes, & bagpipes. After a hike thru the evergreen trails of Pt. Defiance (taking some pictures, of course), give me a chair at Tacoma’s Antique Sandwich Co., some of their great food, a good book, & a good cup of strong coffee & I’m totally happy.